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Effect of Cold Temperature on Shear Strength and Consolidation Properties of Deep Water Soft Marine Clays

Project #: 4W3072
Start Date: 05/01/2010
End Date: 04/30/2012
ABSTRACT:

In extreme northern or southern latitude offshore areas, the temperature at the seabed in deep-water locations is continuously around 0 degrees Celsius, but the soil remains unfrozen due to the effects of the salt water which saturates it. The design of offshore facilities in these regions requires a precise estimate of soil strength and consolidation properties. Seed research performed as a collaborative project between the PI and the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute showed a significant effect of increasing preconsolidation pressure and increasing undrained shear strength with decreasing temperature for intact samples of a soft marine clay. None of the previous research has been performed on samples from cold temperature environments that have been maintained at cold in situ temperatures during the entire sampling, storing and testing process. Further research is needed, because changes in the temperature of the samples may affect estimates of strength and pressure. This research will examine the effect of cold temperature on laboratory strength and consolidation properties. Specifically it will compare the effect of temperature for samples taken from cold temperature environments that have been maintained at cold in situ temperatures during sampling, storage and testing to those that have been stored at room temperature and then tested in cold in situ temperatures.

OBJECTIVE:

The objective of this project is to examine the effect of cold temperature on laboratory strength and consolidation properties of soft marine clay.

PERSONNEL:

  • Steve Perkins
    (PI)
    Steve Perkins
    (PI)

REPORTS & DOCUMENTS:

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